Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 24 - I hope you will answer your Queen's call when the time comes

"What you are telling me would make a very good story to tell children. Bards could sing it on the Kingsroad. Except I am neither a child nor a traveller, so thank you, but I'll pass."

               With those words, I stand up and gather my things. I must get back on the road; I am still far from my goal.

"You want a story?" Beric asks me. "You can tell it upon your return to the capital."

               The knight has managed to capture my attention, which I already regret. I can feel the tear-jerking tale coming from a mile away.

"I have died five times," he says point-blank.

"I am young, not a fool," I reply defensively.

               With Olympian calm, Dondarrion removes his eye patch to reveal a deep scar that makes my skin crawl.

"Thoros brought me back every time through his prayers," he explains.

"How..." I begin.

"How did it happen? How did you die?"

"Eddard Stark sent us into the Riverlands to rid the region of Gregor Clegane and his men. He drove a sword through my stomach."

               Thoros steps forward, his face hard. He must remember the moment he saw his friend die.

"I became a priest very young," he explains. "None of my prayers were heard; I quickly lost my faith. So, when I arrived in Westeros, I indulged in the pleasures of drink and women. R'hllor had never helped me; why would I serve him?"

"You are still a priest, though, aren't you?"

"Because that day, on the battlefield, I was alone. When I saw Beric die, I knelt beside his cold body and recited the words of old. Not that I believed in them, but... he was my friend, after all. And he was dead. They were the only words I knew how to recite. For the first time, the Lord answered me. Beric opened his eyes, and I saw the truth: the only true god is our god. And all men must serve him."

               A poignant story, as I had predicted. However, it is difficult to believe fully without having seen it with my own eyes. And, as you might guess, I do not intend to kill Beric Dondarrion to check.

"Once is a miracle," I object. "Five times is a bit far-fetched, don't you think?"

"The Lord has something planned for Beric. That is why he brings him back every time."

"Fine. Alright... Let's imagine I believe it... What do I have to do with any of this?"

"Your powers, Your Majesty," Beric tells me. "Are not mere chance. Just like the fact that I am still alive."

"And how do you plan to help me?"

"It will be difficult..." Thoros begins. "But we will do what we can to allow you to use your powers safely."

               I am sure they have no idea how to proceed. Besides the fact that I have no desire to live in a cave, I did not leave King's Landing for a spiritual retreat. I must go; I've wasted enough time already.

"I must go to my brother's camp to stop this war," I explain to them.

"This war began to avenge your father," Beric stops me. "You cannot..."

"I can, and I will. The situation is slipping away from us, and Robb is heading straight for a wall. It is my duty to stop this massacre. And once that is done, I must return to the capital to fight Stannis."